Are we moving to China?

Back in October, Jason was interviewing for a position in China. Since neither one of us had ever been to China, J&J thought we should go have a look to make sure we could live there. Dad offered to come over and stay with the kids. Thank you Dad!They all survived the holiday and the 6 days while I was gone. Jason had to stay another week.

We arrived in Shanghai and I felt like we were in Florida - maybe the Miami area but with skyscrapers everywhere.

We were able to get a day of sightseeing in before we went around to look at the schools and housing options. We first decided to walk around close to the hotel. I have to say that the smog was something and it took a while for the eyes to adjust.

We then took a $7 and 30 minute taxi ride to the "Old" Shanghai district.

The buildings were beautiful and there were tons of people.

We loved just walking the streets and were so surprised at all the American fast food chains - Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, Subway, Cold Stone and of course McDonalds. It was so different from Switzerland but in a nice way.

We walked thru the Yuyuan Garden which was very peaceful for being in the middle of a shopping district.

We took a walk along the Huangpu River, the area known as the Bund. I wouldn't want to fall into that river but the skyline was beautiful.

The lights at night were beautiful too along one of the main shopping streets.

I was amazed when I saw the Poinsettia flowers in the medians of the streets.

We visited 6 international schools and many housing options. We were impressed with everything Shanghai has to offer. We ate quite a few "chinese" dinners and I stayed conservative. Jason ventured out the following week with coworkers and he was more brave. The driving is crazy and we will not be driving at all which I look forward to.

Jason sent these pictures after I left. The blue sky decided to show itself in Shanghai.

I think there are huge shopping malls on every corner. It is crazy.

I had to get a picture of this. This is a sign showing the instructions and all the functions of a toilet at the airport. I had never seen anything like it.

Overall, we had a good trip and a good experience. Jason came back home and told the company that we could do it "easily". Actually, I think it will be easier than Switzerland and soon we will find out. The kids are looking forward to being back in a bigger school environment and all the extra activities the schools have to offer. It looks like we will be moving there sometime around the 22nd of December.

We are all very excited for this next big adventure! We will start a brand new blog. We are taking suggestions on what the title of it should be. We would love to see your ideas in the comment section.